Mellau: Winter Trails, Cross-Country Skiing and Mountain Landscape

Mellau combines winter sports with cross-country skiing, winter trails and distinctive landscape routes. If you would like to plan your stay around your preferred activities, you will find a variety of options here: from the Rossstelle ski area and cross-country ski trails to paths in the village, mountain tours and cultural experiences. - The Rossstelle ski area was opened in 1973 with a cable car and four drag lifts. - Mellau has 22.5 km of cross-country ski trails for classic style and skating. - The “Around Mellau” route runs along the Mellenbach and the Bregenzerach, passing the swimming-pool footbridge, the Bengath Bridge, the Prinzwies hamlet and the cable-car area before leading back to Mellau. - Mellau swimming pool is a seasonal outdoor pool located directly on the Mellenbach. - Along the route from Mellau to Schnepfau, the rocks of the northern flank rise up to 1,300 m above the valley floor. - The modern Mellau parish church was built in 1980–1981; the old church tower was preserved as a landmark of the municipality.

Tourism history and additional activities

Mellau’s tourism history dates back to the 19th century, when summer retreats and mountaineering became popular. In addition to its winter offerings, the village therefore also has a historically established connection with stays in the mountain landscape. When choosing your travel period, it is also relevant that mountain bikes and e-bikes can be transported on the Mellaubahn in Mellau. The documented offerings differ significantly in terms of their location and form of activity. Cross-country skiing takes place on designated trails, winter trails are located both in the Rossstelle area and in the village, and the “Around Mellau” route connects various sections along the waterways. This makes it possible to distinguish between different daily destinations without combining them into a single ski offering.

Landscape between the valley floor and mountain flank

The route from Mellau to Schnepfau describes a section of landscape where the rocks of the northern flank rise up to 1,300 m above the valley floor. This creates a mosaic of different natural habitats. This information describes the distinctive terrain along the route, not the elevation of the entire village and not a property of any accommodation. Mellau swimming pool is located directly on the Mellenbach and is designed as a seasonal outdoor pool. In suitable weather, the pool water is heated to around 24 °C from May to September. The seasonal operation and approximate water temperature are therefore clearly separate from the village’s winter offerings.

Trails, cable car and local history

The Rossstelle–Kanisfluh circular tour begins with a ride on the cable car from Mellau. It passes the Kanisalpe and reaches the summit of the Kanisfluh via a hiking trail. Another route, Suttis Mellau, is 10.8 km long and begins at the mountain station of the Mellaubahn. It includes a long descent via the Suttis Alpe into the village of Mellau. The Mellental circuit leads gently downhill through the secluded Mellental valley to Mellau. Its route therefore contrasts with one that does not use the cable car but returns to the village through the valley. For groups with different interests, the Mellauer Werkstatt is also a separate cultural destination: traditional crafts from the Bregenzerwald are presented in an old workshop. The history of the parish church dates back to a chapel built at the end of the 13th century. Mellau became an independent parish in 1464. The church built between 1793 and 1806 was destroyed in the village fire of 1870; its replacement was consecrated in 1876. The modern parish church was built later, in 1980–1981, while the old church tower was preserved as a landmark of the municipality. For a comparison of other destinations, you can also view Bregenz, Egg, Schnepfau, Eichenberg, Wolfurt, Rehmen and Lingenau.

FAQ

Which winter hiking trails are there in Mellau?

There is a 2.5 km winter hiking trail in the ski area on the Rossstelle. In addition, 10 km of groomed winter hiking trails are available in the village. The two figures therefore refer to different areas.

What does the Suttis Mellau route describe?

The route is 10.8 km long and begins at the mountain station of the Mellaubahn. It includes a long descent via the Suttis Alpe into the village of Mellau.

How does the Rossstelle–Kanisfluh circular tour run?

It begins with a ride on the cable car from Mellau, passes the Kanisalpe and reaches the summit of the Kanisfluh via a hiking trail.

What is known about the Mellental circuit?

The Mellental circuit leads gently downhill through the secluded Mellental valley to Mellau.

What is the history of the Mellau parish church?

Its history dates back to a chapel from the end of the 13th century. Mellau became an independent parish in 1464. The church built between 1793 and 1806 was destroyed in the village fire of 1870; the replacement was consecrated in 1876.

What does the Mellauer Werkstatt offer?

The Mellauer Werkstatt presents traditional crafts from the Bregenzerwald in an old workshop. On site, you can sample fruit brandies, liqueurs and chocolate. Groups can arrange visits outside regular opening hours by telephone.

To the overarching travel overview: Bregenz District.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Damüls-Mellau | Plan your skiing holiday in Vorarlberg.